paralysis

1[uncountable,countable]a loss of control of, and sometimes feeling in, part or most of the body, caused by disease or an injury to the nervesparalysis of both legsSee related entries:Injuries

2[uncountable]a total inability to move, act, function, etc.The strike caused total paralysis in the city.

Word Originlate Old English, via Latin from Greekparalusis, from paraluesthai

‘be disabled at the side’

, from para

‘beside’

+ luein

‘loosen’

.Extra examplesPolio can cause paralysis and sometimes death.Strike leaders claimed ‘almost complete paralysis’ in the ports and mines.The country was on the verge of complete paralysis due to the strike.The crisis over the constitution may lead to political paralysis.The snake’s venom induces instant paralysis.stroke patients who have suffered partial paralysis